A bill that supporters say will streamline the process more for removing hazardous trees and vegetative overgrowth near power lines has been signed into law. PG and E spokeswoman Brandi Merlo says the utility appreciates the passage of what they term “common sense” legislation…

In a news release, Nevada County’s Congressman, Doug LaMalfa says, quote, “while it’s common sense to remove a tree dangerously close to a power line, overly burdensome restrictions continue to hinder basic vegetation management practices”, unquote. But Merlo indicates she’s not aware of any major delays to keeping lines clear…

LaMalfa also states that the bill allows a streamlined process for electric utilities to maintain and manage their own transmission lines along rights-of-way land, in order to avoid wildfires and blackouts.